Coral Identification and Taxonomy Certification

Corals can be exceptionally difficult to identify to the genus level, and near impossible to identify to the species level without proper genetic sampling equipment. This course will literally dive into the world of corals. Students will learn the visual aspects of the skeleton that distinguish corals among genera. This course is a partial fulfillment of the Ecological Monitoring Program and the Advanced Ecological Monitoring Plan,  and is critical for assessing the substrate of our reefs. 

Prerequisites:

• Be certified under a globally recognized diving agency (PADI, SSI, NAUI etc.)

• Be at an advanced level of diving and demonstrate self-awareness underwater

• Conduct at least one substrate survey

Knowledge Development:

• Learn how to identify corals down to the genus level using skeletal morphology and other visual cues

• Become well acquainted with the genera of corals inhabiting the reefs of Hawai'i

Performance Requirements:

• Perform atleast one coral safari dive 

• Conduct atleast one full survey revolving around coral genera (full substrate survey, coral disease, competition and biofouling)

• Pass the coral taxonomy quiz